Witches: Stalked by the Shadow of Madness — Premiered at SXSW Sydney

Witches is a documentary by writer-director Elizabeth Sankey. It explores the history of witches. The documentary unfolds with a poignant lens on perinatal mental health. The film opens with iconic cinematic imagery and a voiceover that draws us into Sankey’s own experience after the birth of her son.

Through her poetic reflections, she captures the disorienting feelings of new motherhood. She reveals the depths of what it means to be “stalked by the shadow of madness.”

Sankey’s narrative is compelling. It is relatable as she shares, “When everyone tells you it’s normal to feel out of control.” The film pivots from the stigmatized views of witches and healers. These figures are often seen as points of blame.

It challenges the notion that “the baby blues are completely normal.” It contrasts extreme cases of mental health struggles with historical condemnations of women as witches. The film uses personal anecdotes that resonate deeply.

Grit Your Teeth

Witches serve as a powerful platform for discussing mental health, leaving no stone un-turned regarding the insidious issues women face. It raises crucial questions about societal expectations of motherhood. It also questions the stigma surrounding mental health.

Are we already pushing back into a world where the mentally ill are persecuted? The film suggests that the shadows of mental health extend far beyond the obvious. They touch the lives of those bogged down with sadness and anger. People also struggle with the impossibly high standards of being a “super mum.” Now that we both rear and work, is it all too much?

Sankey’s descent into madness post-pregnancy is riveting and memorable. The documentary’s editing is polished and examined with a careful eye. Witches manages to maintain a high level of engagement despite its talky nature. While other women’s stories add depth, it is Sankey’s journey that truly captivates.

Witches Documentary 2024 – A Must Watch

Telling a story that women have talked about but have never really been listened to, this is a must-see documentary.

For more information about Witches documentary, check out the official website.

Looking for another documentary? Watch On The Trail of UFO’s | You Cannot Kill David Arquette | Art Kabuki or DTF next.

The film was provided by SXSW Sydney for editorial purposes.

Trailer on YouTube

• Elizabeth Sankey -Director, Screenplay, Editing
• Sophia di Martino
• Catherine Cho
• David Emson
• Dr. Trudi Seneviratne
• Chloë Thomson

Overall, Witches is a thought-provoking film that deserves recognition for its raw exploration of mental health. The film will hit digital in November 2024. The SXSW Sydney Film Festival was awesome this year.

I rate it 3.75 out of 5.